diff --git a/classes.py b/classes.py
index 788116b..859d6f5 100644
--- a/classes.py
+++ b/classes.py
@@ -146,9 +146,8 @@ class Irc():
 
         # This max nick length starts off as the config value, but may be
         # overwritten later by the protocol module if such information is
-        # received. Note that only some IRCds (InspIRCd) give us nick length
-        # during link, so it is still required that the config value be set!
-        self.maxnicklen = self.serverdata['maxnicklen']
+        # received. It defaults to 30.
+        self.maxnicklen = self.serverdata.get('maxnicklen', 30)
 
         # Defines a list of supported prefix modes.
         self.prefixmodes = {'o': '@', 'v': '+'}
diff --git a/conf.py b/conf.py
index 686c45c..d7871db 100644
--- a/conf.py
+++ b/conf.py
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ def validateConf(conf):
 
     for netname, serverblock in conf['servers'].items():
         for section in ('ip', 'port', 'recvpass', 'sendpass', 'hostname',
-                        'sid', 'sidrange', 'protocol', 'maxnicklen'):
+                        'sid', 'sidrange', 'protocol'):
             assert serverblock.get(section), "Missing %r in server block for %r." % (section, netname)
 
     assert type(conf['login'].get('password')) == type(conf['login'].get('user')) == str and \